OKC Thunder Sunday Social: Putting a bow on the preseason
By Alex Mcewen
From Timberbulls, to bad, to worse
The Jimmy Butler situation that is brewing in Minnesota does not have a clear ending in sight. There are multiple ways the Butler vs. Minnesota battle could end, but regardless of the path that is taken the final result will be messy.
Butler breaks his silence
Butler sat down with ESPN’s Rachel Nichols for his first interview since reports surfaced that he requested to be traded. He was candid, honest, and genuine in his interview. Butler’s interview is definitely a must watch for NBA fans.
"All my emotion came out at one time."
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 10, 2018
Jimmy Butler sat down with @Rachel__Nichols to talk about today's practice and what led to it. See more on SportsCenter at 6 ET and NBA Countdown at 7 ET 📺 pic.twitter.com/znPpDwyW9y
Woj bombs from practice
All-Star Jimmy Butler participated in Minnesota's practice, a session that included him verbally challenging teammates, coaches and front office, league sources told ESPN. Butler was vociferous and emotional at times, targeting Thibodeau/Layden/Towns/Wiggins. Story soon on ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 10, 2018
At one point in a scrimmage, sources said, Butler turned to GM Scott Layden and screamed, "You (bleeping) need me. You can't win without me." Butler left teammates and coaches largely speechless. He dominated the gym in every way. Jimmy's back.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 10, 2018
A lot of Minnesota players left Timberwolves practice today energized by Butler's performance, mesmerized with him taking end-of-the-bench players and running the table on the regulars, sources said. At the end, he marched out like if a mic drop. Butler delivered a tour de force.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 10, 2018
Wolves legend Kevin Garnett weighs in on the situation
George was asked and he provided an intriguing answer
Jalen Rose coined the phrase pre-agency, which is the period of time before a player enters free agency. Each player will handle their pre-agency differently, some play out the duration of their deals, such as Kevin Durant, while others request to be traded such as George and Butler.
Considering George was in a similar pre-agency predicament, it is easy to see why PG would sympathize with Butler. At the end of the day each players situation is different, therefore it is difficult to criticize said player without knowing the full details.